Building a Hot Tub on Snow Tracks Might Be My Best Idea Ever!

Summary

In this video, the creator showcases their latest custom vehicle builds, including a mud truck getting massive snowcat tracks and a luxury mobile spa setup. They highlight the challenges faced during previous builds, like the Freedom Bus, and discuss their hands-on approach to creating extreme vehicles for unique environments. The video also features a humorous moment around cooking steaks for the crew, as well as a personal note where the creator clears up misconceptions about their lifestyle, emphasizing that they’ve never used alcohol or drugs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The custom-built Hercules truck is getting massive snow tracks, originally designed for the Freedom Bus, but there's concern about track interference due to the difference in wheelbase.
• 😀 The Freedom Bus on tracks became a viral sensation, especially after it helped pull out the Monster Max, marking a significant achievement in the creator's career.
• 😀 A previous mix-up led to the Hercules truck using oversized tracks, with challenges of installing them on its shorter wheelbase.
• 😀 The truck's axle system uses parts from snowcats, such as bogey wheels and drive sprockets, ensuring it can handle extreme terrain with heavy loads.
• 😀 There’s a humorous reflection on personal ownership of a Romanian military trainer plane and a helicopter, underscoring the creator's eclectic and adventurous past.
• 😀 A significant build involves a 12T platform that expands to 18T, designed to hold a cold plunge tub, hot tub, and a wood-fired sauna, all integrated for a luxurious outdoor experience.
• 😀 The Nodwell Mud Puppy, a low-speed, recovery vehicle, will be used to transport the spa setup through snow trails, creating a unique mobile relaxation platform.
• 😀 A detailed plan is in place for the spa setup, including using totes to fill the tubs with water, a process made easier by using melted snow previously, but seen as inefficient.
• 😀 The technical setup involves circulating clean, sanitized water through pumps and filters in the tubs to keep it crystal clear, ensuring guests have a pleasant experience.
• 😀 The speaker addresses misconceptions about their personal habits, denying rumors of alcohol or drug use, and clarifies that they’ve never tried any substances.
• 😀 In a lighthearted moment, the speaker shows pride in their steak-grilling skills and playfully compares their cooking style to that of a professional chef.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video primarily focuses on the build and customization of vehicles, including the installation of large snowcat tracks on trucks, as well as the construction of an elaborate outdoor spa setup for the crew. The video also touches on past projects and vehicle ownership experiences.

Why was there a concern about the track installation?

The concern was that the custom-built snowcat tracks, originally designed for the 'Freedom Bus,' might touch each other due to the shorter wheelbase of the current truck, 'Hercules.' The tracks are very large, and the speaker was worried that the assembly might not fit properly or cause problems when turning.

How does the speaker address the steering issue with the snowcat tracks?

The speaker mentions that with the snowcat tracks, the steering mechanism is affected because the mounting surface for the tracks is far away from the actual steering spindle. This causes the whole track assembly to swing back and forth, potentially causing issues when turning. However, they note that there is more space than initially expected.

What happened to the 'Freedom Bus' last year during testing?

During testing of the 'Freedom Bus,' one of the tracks got caught on a tree in the woods, ripping it off and damaging the hub assembly. This was a result of the leverage from the tree causing the track to break off.

What is the 'Nodwell Mud Puppy' and how is it related to the project?

The 'Nodwell Mud Puppy' is a heavy-duty vehicle designed for low-speed, off-road use. It has a very low gear ratio and was initially purchased for recovery missions. In this video, it is being used as the platform to carry the custom outdoor spa setup, including the cold plunge, hot tub, and barrel sauna.

What unique features are included in the new outdoor spa setup?

The outdoor spa setup includes a cold plunge, a 12-ton cauldron hot tub, and a wood-fired barrel sauna designed for about eight people. Additionally, it features a custom-built hook lift bed, which allows the platform to expand to an 18-foot width, and will have heating and water circulation systems for the hot tub.

Why does the speaker mention using propane to heat the sauna?

The speaker explains that propane will be used to power a burner that heats copper tubing under the sauna. The hot water circulating through the system will be used to create heat and provide a traditional sauna experience, with steam generated by splashing water onto the stove.

What does the speaker say about the challenges of filling the outdoor spa with water?

The speaker mentions that last time, they had to melt snow to fill the spa, which was a nightmare. This time, they plan to use water totes, which should make the process much easier and more efficient.

How does the speaker deal with potential issues with propane tanks?

The speaker shares a lesson learned about the new propane tanks, which are equipped with tip-over valves. If the tank is turned on too quickly, it only releases a small amount of propane. This is a safety feature to prevent issues, and the speaker had to learn how to adjust the flow properly.

What role does the custom bed liner play in the project?

The custom bed liner will be sprayed on thick to provide additional insulation for the outdoor spa platform. The speaker emphasizes the importance of insulation to ensure the water stays at the desired temperature and to protect the equipment from external elements.